Earlier this year, Share the Magic Travel had the pleasure to take part in one of Universal Orlando Resort’s Fam Trips, where the agency was able to spend a few days lodging at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, taking part in walk-throughs of other Universal Orlando Resort property hotels, and of course enjoying a good bit of “research time” in the parks! We figured what better way to talk about the agency’s experience than to get some firsthand quotes from some of the agents themselves.
Going to a theme park is multifaceted, and entails so many details that we generally don’t think about. There are so many options to choose from that it can be overwhelming. When I advise my clients, I want to give them peace of mind by giving them all of the information so that they can make an informed decision on what is best for their family. Going to Universal Orlando Resort and to experience first hand all of their amenities allowed me to take note of all of the options that would be available to my clients. I loved being able to invest in what interests my clients the most, which in turn allows me to be a better advisor in all aspects of their travel. Universal Orlando Resort provides a unique, exciting experience, and I can now say I know that first hand after visiting with my fellow travel advisors. Since I’ve been there, it makes me excited to help my clients curate their most memorable trip to Universal Orlando Resort, making sure they know the ins and outs to maximize their time and guarantee they have the BEST experience! – Chelsea Williams
Jill Fields
In February, I attended my third STMT Universal Fam Trip at Universal Orlando Resort! This is an event that I look forward to each year, and it is a week full of learning, spending time with fellow agents, and of course having fun! Building camaraderie and relationships with other agents has been huge, and it is something I look forward to each time we are together. This year, I was able to participate in a VIP Tour of the Universal Orlando Resort parks, along with 11 other agents and it was one of the biggest highlights of my week! We started the day with breakfast (included) and then explored the parks – VIP style! As part of a VIP tour, you get to enter the rides through the exit in order to skip the lines. The coolest part was skipping the almost two hour line for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and then getting to immediately ride a second time! We also got to go backstage between the parks, enjoy lunch at Mythos (also included) and end the day with the Mardi Gras Parade! – Jill Fields
Kandee Hawbaker
Hey everyone! My name is Kandee Hawbaker, I have been with Share The Magic Travel for just over a year now and was Rookie of the Year for 2023. I had the absolute pleasure of joining the agency on this year’s Universal Fam Trip. This was my first solo trip from my family and my first agency trip! It is safe to say that it was one of the best decisions going on this Universal Fam trip. Getting first hand knowledge was invaluable to growing my business not only for myself, but my clients as well. I left the trip feeling so much more confident about everything Universal Orlando Resort has to offer. I can even more confidently sell, answer questions, and ensure my clients have the most epic trip! Along with everything I learned it was so much fun to be surrounded by likeminded people within our agency. The connections we formed on this trip will last a lifetime! – Kandee Hawbaker
Lauren Kelly
I’m Lauren & I am a wife, mother of three, & a NICU nurse in Memphis, TN. I started with Share the Magic Travel in January 2023 with the idea that this would just be a hobby on the side. My family loves traveling to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World Resort & Universal Orlando Resort, so I’ve helped many friends plan their trips, and I figured I might as well become a travel agent. This “hobby” has blossomed into so much more than I could have imagined in just a little over a year. When the opportunity arose to attend the Universal Fam Trip, I jumped on it. We had not visited Universal Orlando Resort since we had our third child, so I was eager to have the chance to visit the parks & learn what was new since that time. Imagine my shock when the agency held their annual awards night & I found out that I had earned a spot on a VIP tour for being in the top 12 for Universal sales for 2023! Universal offers private & non-private VIP tours, as well as options for 1-park or 2-park. We did the private 1-day, 2-park VIP tour. Our day started out with a continental breakfast at Cafe La Bamba which included a spread of fresh fruit, pastries, quiches, as well as coffee and juice. Throughout the day we received priority access to all rides and attractions. This is where the VIP experience really sets itself apart. Instead of accessing the rides through the Express line, our guide escorted us through the ride exit, then around to board the ride. This was an absolutely amazing experience, especially since Jurassic World VelociCoaster was running at an extremely low capacity during this week, so even the Express line was experiencing a minimum of an hour and a half wait! In addition to breakfast and priority ride access, we also received lunch at our choice of restaurant, behind the scenes access between the two parks, reserved seating for the Mardi Gras parade, Unlimited Express access for the remainder of the day, and a discount on Universal Orlando Resort merchandise. I could go on and on about what an incredible experience this was! If you are a Universal Parks fan, are limited on time, or just want to have a unique celebrity-like experience, then I would highly recommend booking this experience. You can choose from a private tour for groups up to 12, or a non-private option where you will be paired with other people. This is an added experience that I can book for you as your travel advisor. – Lauren Kelly